Individual and geographical variation in age at maturity in female moose (Alces alces)

摘要: Variation in age at maturity among 2764 female moose (Alces alces) 14 populations Sweden was investigated and related to patterns of body growth characteristics the environment. Data were collected from animals shot during hunting season 1989- 1992, all females aged examined for previous pregnancy by inspecting uterus. Individual variation large; 10 (1.3%) out 776 yearlings classified as previously pregnant, must have become fertile their first year life. Among 2-year-old 31.2% mature, while majority (80.5%) became mature 3 years age. Age maturity, calculated which 50% also highly variable ranged between 2.06 3.17 years. Population-specific significantly mean yearling carcass mass but not juvenile, 2-year-old, or adult mass. Approximately could be explained rate juvenile stages. High initial rates early a population strongly associated with low after stage. No clear relationship found density, amount browse, latitude, climatic conditions populations. This suggests that multiple factors are involved shaping geographical pattern additional such nutritional quality age-specific survival considered when explaining mechanisms behind apparent moose.